Is the high wycombe fire still burning?

No. DFES advised the incident was contained and later extinguished, with warnings downgraded and no ongoing threat to lives or homes. Crews may continue patrols to manage hotspots, which is standard after containment. We will monitor authorities for any flare-up reports, but the active fire phase has ended.

Were Roe Highway lanes reopened after the incident?

Yes. Lanes reopened after crews secured the area and visibility improved. Earlier congestion has eased, and traffic conditions have largely normalised. Drivers should still heed any residual cautions from Main Roads WA, including reduced speeds or short-term lane management near the affected verge if crews remain present.

How could this affect Australian insurers?

Based on early information, we expect limited insured losses from this event. Watch for minor property or motor claims tied to smoke, embers, or roadside incidents. The bigger portfolio question is seasonal bushfire exposure if multiple events occur, which can pressure catastrophe allowances and reinsurance aggregates over the quarter.

What should investors monitor next?

Track DFES bushfire update feeds, Main Roads WA alerts, and any insurer claim updates. Watch the pace of new fire weather warnings and any road or power disruptions. If incident frequency rises, reassess exposure to general insurers and businesses dependent on Perth’s eastern freight corridors and time-sensitive deliveries.

Law and Government

January 08: High Wycombe Fire Out; Limited Insurer, Traffic Impact

ByHuzaifa Zahoor January 7, 2026January 7, 2026

Authorities have extinguished the high wycombe fire in Perth’s east, with DFES advising no ongoing threat to lives or homes after earlier emergency warnings. The blaze near Maida Vale triggered a Roe Highway closure and brief evacuations on 7 and 8 January, but traffic has largely normalised. For investors, near-term insured-loss risk appears contained, and supply chain impacts were short. We see this as a reminder to monitor seasonal bushfire exposure across Australian insurers and critical transport networks through summer.